Soil testing first step for gardeners

Well Easter has just passed us by so I'm guessing many of you put your gardens in last week or at least some of your garden.

If you have not put your garden in it is time to start thinking about that garden you want to plant.

There are many things to consider in planting your garden but the first step needs to be a soil test. However it is not too late even if you have already planted your garden.

You can acquire the soil testing boxes and forms here in the Neshoba County Extension Office. Conducting a soil test is an inexpensive way to see what fertilizers and nutrients are needed in your soil.

We also have many Neshoba County residents who encounter lawn problems that can be prevented by a simple soil test.

These soil tests only cost $6. You can mail them yourself or we will be happy to get them in to the soil testing laboratory at Mississippi State.

You will then receive an analysis report in usually about two weeks. This analysis report will tell you step by step how to improve your lawn or garden.

They also send a copy to our Neshoba County Extension Office so we can help you answer any questions you may have.

The MSU Extension Service also has an excellent resource for you as Neshoba County Residents. This is our website www.msucares.com.

The neat thing about this website is the fact that you can investigate many topics including learning a lot about 4-H.

However one thing I want to point out is that you can search and download research publications on any type of question or problem you may have.

Here is a list of publications I recommend downloading from our website this gardening season: P2331 Control of Insect Pests in and Around the Home Lawn; P1322 Establish and Manage Your Home Lawn; P1091 Garden Tabloid; P2171 Weed-Control Calendar for Warm-Season Turf Grasses; and P2347 Insect Pests of the Home Vegetable Garden.

These are just a few of the publications that I recommend downloading from our website.

I really encourage you to explore our website and see what all the Extension Service has to offer.

As always if you have any questions you can give us a call at (601) 656-4602.